The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-09-05
SHOT BY A REJECTED LOVER.
Mabel Harton's Narrow Escape from a
Tragic Death.

New York Sun gives the following account
of remarkable shooting case near that
place; Bard Knox Snyder, a young
Englishmau, attempted to murder Miss
Mabel Harton in the parlor of the handsome
residence of her father, James Harton, near
this place, Sunday evening He had been
her afianced lover, and she had just told
him that she could no longer receive his at
tentions, when he drew revolver and fired
two shots at her. one taking effect in her
left ear. Their meeting and the causes
which led to the shooting are told by Miss
Harton as follows:
Owing to ill-health my father was ad-
vised two years ago to take trip across the
ocean, and together we sailed for Europe,
where almost year was spent. In England
we became acquainted with an Englishman
who gave his name as Baird Knox Snyder.
He was a guest at the hotel where we were
stopping He appeared to be a man of
means, and, seeing that my father was an
invalid, took a deep interest in U.s. He was
kind and courteous, and spent much of his
time with my father, who was rapidly
growing weaker. Mr.. Snyder said that he
had never been in America, but was making
arrangements for a trip across the ocean,
with the view of making America a per-
manent place of residence, and that it would
be great favor if he could accompany us
on our return home. We gladly acquiesced
in this, and said we would give him ample
notice of our departure so that he could
join us. Several months later, during which
there was but little improvement in my
fathers condition, his attending physician
said it was useless to remain any longer;
that his patient was beyond any hope of re-
covery: that he could get just as good medi-
cal treatment at home, and that the trip
across the ocean might be beneficial. We
at once decided to return, and in two weeks,
with Mr.. Snyder, we sailed for New York.
His genial disposition and kindly attention
to my father made an impression that left
no doubt that it would end in q love affair.
The third day of our voyage he approached
my father and asked his consent to our mar
riage. 1t was surprise, but not wholly
unexpected, and rny father expressed him
self as satisfied, but said that the matter
rested entirely with me. There was so much
tenderness and apparent sincerity in his
proposal that / consented, but on account of
my fathers feeble condition refused to set
time for our nuptials. My mothers death
having occurred some years ago, my father
was very much worried about my future in
the event of his death, but the turn affairs
had taken on the voyage seemed to enliven
him, and, strange to say, marked i'm
provement took place. The trip TO New
York was SO enjoyable that, at the request
of my father, urged Mr. Snyder to &C
company us to our home here, where we
would be pleased to have him remain until
he decided where to locateut-The offer was
accepted, and, after stay of five weeks, he
went to- Rittsburg, where he decided to re-
main. The most affectionate letters were
exchanged between us, and our wedding
was set down to take place the latter part
of September. uo5fi
After Mr. Snyder's departure father
talked about our approaching nuptials, and
as ] was the sole heir to his estate, which
was considerable, he suggested, very wisely,
that, ere it would be too late, it would be
well, as Mr.. Snyder was perfect stranger,
to inquire into his business in Pittsburg
Ny father, therefore. decided to go himself
having much improved, and he started
forthwith to Pittsburg, where he remained
about four days, unknown to Snyder. He
learned, however, to his utter establishment,
that Snyder was looked upon as profess
sional gambler and confidence man, and
that he was frequenter of the worst dens
in that city. To remove all doubt, my
father employed private detective, who
Swallowed Snyder and discovered that he
was travelling under an assumed name, and
that all the rumors about Snyder's character
were true. My father returned home much
depressed and disappointed. He soon COM
municated the result Of his mission to me. |
was deeply affected, but at once resolved to
break off the engagement, and wrote
Snyder a letter saying that obstacles over
which | had no control had arisen, and that
a union between us was now impossible.
The next mail brought letter from Snyder
containing peremptory demand for his &C
cusers' names, but | sent no reply"
Sunday evening Snyder came to town and
appeared at the Harton mansion, but Mr..
Harton refused to admit him. Snyder re.
fused to go away until he was heard, and
finally succeeded i'll gaining admission, with
the understanding that the interview was
to be the last, and that he would discon-
tinue further attentions to Mabel. The
young couple met in the parlor, while
Mabel's father sat in an adjoining room.
Snyder demanded to know who his accusers
were, that he might promptly disprove what
he claimed to be base ISLANDERS. Mabel said
she had the most convincing proof of the
truth regarding his character, and that it
was useless to attempt to deny it. Snyder
grew violent and assumed threatening at
| titllde, declaring that unless she revealed
| the names of his accusers they would both
die together He drew from bis coat pocket
| a revolver and fired two shots in quick sue
! cession, one of which entered her left ear
! and embedded itself in the jam of the door.
| With piercing shrek she fell to the floor.
| Her father rushed into the room and, in his
feeble condition, grsppled with Snyder, but
to the floor and then hastily left the house,
exclaiming: